Young and hungry: fresh faces with the talent to burn

1. David Klemmer (Bulldogs)

Age: 19 Position: Front row

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2013

Strengths: He won the under-20s player of the year award last year and was averaging close to 200 metres per game. He's got a huge engine and the ability to play long minutes. The Bulldogs see him as an integral part of their future and have already begun negotiations to keep him.

Where he fits: With James Graham to miss the start of the season through suspension, Klemmer could be given the opportunity to make his debut off the bench. The Bulldogs have bolstered their forward pack with Tony Williams, but the departure of David Stagg, as well as the retirement of Corey Payne, has opened the doors for a few players, including Klemmer.

2. Michael Lichaa (Sharks)

Age: 19 Position: Hooker

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2015

Strengths: He's been dubbed as a Robbie Farah clone. The 16 NRL clubs have a huge opinion of this talented dummy-half, rated as one of the most creative and skilful hookers coming through the ranks. He's developing a handy left-foot kicking game and is a tough defender.

Where he fits: It's unlikely he'll get an opportunity at the start of the season with Isaac De Gois and John Morris in the NRL squad, but Lichaa's doing everything possible to guarantee he'll be ready when he gets the opportunity. He's still young but coach Shane Flanagan believes he'll crack first grade at some stage this year.

3. Kane Evans (Roosters)

Age: 21 Position: Front row

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2014

Strengths: A giant who is expected to make his NRL debut this year. He's a damaging runner of the ball whose style of play has been likened to Gorden Tallis. He was one of the best players in last year's under-20s State of Origin match in Penrith. He has a Fijian background.

Where he fits: The departure of Mose Masoe to Penrith will provide Evans with his shot in the Roosters front row. Martin Kennedy and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will likely start, but Evans will provide plenty of impact off the bench.

4. Tom Eisenhuth (Panthers)

Age: 20 Position: Back row

NRL games: 1

Off contract: 2013

Strengths: A NSW under-18s player who also played for the Junior Kangaroos last year. Made his NRL debut against the Warriors in round 24 last year. A versatile forward who can also play in the centres. He's got good footwork and the ability to offload.

Where he fits: Given the fact the Panthers have a new squad this season, it's unclear where Eisenhuth fits into Ivan Cleary's plans. However, he is one of the club's most promising juniors and will no doubt add to his one NRL game from last season.

5. Jack Stockwell (Dragons)

Age: 20 Position: Front row

NRL games: 3

Off contract: 2014

Strengths: He's a towering prop who has been given time to develop through the under-20s and NSW Cup. He's been part of the Dragons NRL squad for several seasons and is on the verge of earning a regular bench position. Coach Steve Price used him off the bench on three occasions in his maiden season in the NRL.

Where he fits: With Michael Weyman back from injury, as well as Trent Merrin and Dan Hunt at Price's disposal, Stockwell will need to earn a bench position.

6. Daniel Tupou (Roosters)

Age: 21 Position: Wing

NRL games: 3

Off contract: 2014

Strengths: The Parramatta junior played the final three games of the season in Brian Smith's NRL side. He scored a hat-trick in his second game. The Roosters have been impressed with his pre-season and expect big things from the giant winger.

Where he fits: Tupou will start the year on the wing. From all reports, he's developed into a mature footballer. There are numerous talented outside backs at the Roosters disposal, but his height and power make him the most dangerous.

7. Korbin Sims (Knights)

Age: 21 Position: Front row

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2013

Overview: Another talent off the Sims family production line. He followed his brothers to the Broncos as a junior before finding a home at the Knights. He isn't in the Tariq mould, quite similar to the eldest of the brothers, North Queensland's Ashton. Korbin is a big-popper who will spend most of his career eating up metres in the middle. He was one of the under-20s props of the year in 2012.

Where he fits: Korbin won't start the year in the NRL but injuries could pave the way for his selection. Wayne Bennett doesn't like to rush his front-rowers, but he knows when they are ready. He threw Shane Webcke and Petero Civoniceva in at a young age at the Broncos and did the same with Trent Merrin at the Dragons.

8. Evander Cummins (Dragons)

Age: 20 Position: Fullback

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2013

Overview: An Alexandria Rovers junior who played for the Sydney Roosters before joining the Dragons. He's one of the most exciting ball-runners in the game, but is small in stature. There is no doubting his skill, but there doubts over whether he can handle the physicality of the NRL. He has similar question marks over his head that Ben Barba did as a junior.

Where he fits: Gerard Beale will start the year at fullback for the Dragons but Cummins may get a crack around the representative period of the season. Beale, Jason Nightingale and Brett Morris are all expected to be away on representative duties for the Test match, which could provide Cummins with his first shot in the NRL. He's a specialist fullback who will have to wait for an opportunity at the back.

9. Anthony Milford (Raiders)

Age: 18 Position: Five-eighth/halfback

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2014

Overview: If his reputation is anything to go by, Canberra will want to keep this youngster at the club for a long time. The Queensland junior has drawn comparisons to Johnathan Thurston from several of rugby league's most respected recruitment managers. Milford is a naturally gifted footballer with all the skills. He led the Raiders' SG Ball and under-20s teams to the grand final last year.

Where he fits: He's still in the Raiders' national youth competition squad and is unlikely to make his NRL debut with Terry Campese, Sam Williams and Josh McCrone ahead of him. But if he gets his opportunity in the top grade this year, it could be hard for coach David Furner to leave him out of the side.

10. Caleb Timu (Broncos)

Age: 18 Position: Second row/front row

NRL games: 0

Off contract: 2013

Overview: This is the Maroons' next superstar. He's one of the most destructive forwards in Queensland and earned selection in last year's under-20s team of the year. He terrorised NSW in the under-20s Origin match, scoring a double to secure victory for the Maroons. He is 190cm tall and weighs 108 kilograms. He comes from a rugby union background.

Where he fits: The retirement of Petero Civoniceva and the departure of Ben Te'o has opened a couple of positions in the Broncos forward pack. There are no shortage of wide-running back-rowers, so Timu might need to make his mark at prop before sliding out wide. Timu is a certainty to feature for the Broncos during the Origin period.